What is Respondus LockDown Browser?
Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment for online exams in Blackboard. It is compatible with both Windows and MAC operating systems. Windows: XP, Vista, and Windows 7; MAC: OS X 10.3.9 or higher.
Respondus LockDown Browser:
- Prevents printing, copying, going to other URLs, or accessing other applications during a test
- Disables task switching, print screen, screen capture, function keys, and right-click menu options
- Blocks instant messaging, screen-sharing and network monitoring applications
Note: An important issue has come up affecting users who run MAC OSX with the latest release of Java (version 1.6.0_29). This version of Java is known to be incompatible with our learning system and may cause this browser application to crash. A workaround is available; to ensure this fix will work on your computer, please update to the latest version of LDB. We apologize for the inconvenience. As soon as a patch is available, we will update this information. (12/09/2011)
Getting Started
Respondus Lockdown Browser is installed on all SMU lab and library computers and is available for installation on students' personal computers for use off campus. When an exam is set to use Respondus LockDown browser, you will not be able to use a standard web browser such as IE or Firefox to take the assessment. Instead, you will launch Respondus LockDown Browser to access Blackboard and then your online exam.
To get started with Respondus LockDown Browser, please read the Student Quick Start Guide, view the short demo, and review the additional information provided here.
| Instructions: | Video Demo (this video may take a few minutes to load) Respondus LockDown Browser Installation (Once installed, please save the short-cut icon to your desktop) |
| Password Details: | When prompted: Did your instructor provide a password for accessing this exam? If Then No Select No and then Continue Yes Select Yes, type the password and then Continue A password will automatically pass through to the Enter password to take assessment text box, click the Submit button to begin the exam. |
| First Time Users: | The first time you use Respondus LockDown Browser, a Java digital signature dialog box might pop-up; See, image. It is essential that you select Run before continuing. Additionally, you may experience a brief delay entering or selecting an answer to the first question. Please perform a trial run by taking the Sample test in your course. |
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What to Expect During an Exam
Exams will display full-screen and cannot be minimized. Once an exam begins, you are locked into the assessment until it is submitted for grading. Respondus LockDown Browser is designed to prevent you from closing the browser window and exiting the exam by mistake.
If you experience any problems when taking the exam, please contact the Blackboard Support Line and notify your instructor immediately.
Blackboard Support Line: (510)869-6836, press 1
A brief interruption in your internet service will not likely prevent you from completing an exam. However, if you power off your computer while Respondus LockDown Browser is running, you will be prompted to run a diagnostic before launching the browser and returning to the exam. This diagnostic will provide important information about your connection and configuration. Please read any prompts carefully as the information will be relevant to releasing your system from the LockDown Browser successfully. You may not be able to return to the exam without having the exam reset by your instructor or the Blackboard Administrator. If your exam requires a reset, you might lose work previously performed.
To read more information about Respondus LockDown Browser, visit the vendor's Knowledgebase page. See, Respondus LockDown Browser Troubleshooting and Knowledgebase.
FAQs
What are the computer requirements for installations of Respondus LockDown Browser?